KUCHING: The soon-to-be set up House Buyers Claims Tribunal can handle
claims of up to RM40,000 or RM80,000 if approved by the minister
concerned.

State Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the number
of complaints received by his ministry had increased from two in 2005 to
19 last year.

“Another 19 complaints have been received this year,” he added when
tabling the Hou-sing Developers (Control and Licensing) (Amendment) Bill
2009, in the state assembly yesterday.

The Bill, which facilitates the establishment of the claims tribunal, was
approved after debate by members. Johari said most of the complaints were
related to poor workmanship, late delivery of houses and late issuance of
occupation permit (OP) for the houses.

Expecting the number of such complaints to continue to rise due to the
many on-going housing developments, he said without the tribunal, there
was now no avenue for the ministry to address these complaints.

Johari said although unhappy house buyers could file civil suits against
the developers concerned, it would be expensive for them to engage
lawyers.

The approved Bill stipulates that a claim has to be filed by a house buyer
within 12 months from the issuance of the OP or before the expiry date of
the defect liability, whichever is later.

Any claim or counter-claim to be filed with the tribunal will be up to
RM40,000 or RM80,000 if approved by the minister concerned.

Every agreed settlement recorded by the tribunal or the award made by it
will be final and binding on all parties concerned, and deemed to be an
order of a magistrate’s court.

Johari said the tribunal would comprise a chairman, deputy chairman and
not more than five other members to be appointed by the minister
concerned.